Mike Pence Bumped As Commencement Speaker At WI Lutheran College

WAUWATOSA, WI—Citing the ongoing civil unrest in Kenosha following the police shooting of Jacob Blake, Wisconsin Lutheran College said they've canceled Vice President Mike Pence as the college's commencement speaker.

The cancellation comes two days before Pence was scheduled to give his remarks to graduates.

In a press release, Wisconsin Lutheran College officials said they made the decision after: "further review with careful consideration of the escalating events in Kenosha."

According to the release, the college is going with a Lutheran pastor instead: "The WLC Board of Regents and the College's Administration have jointly decided to present a different speaker instead of the Vice President of the United States, Michael Pence, at the Saturday, August 29 commencement. The College is pleased to announce that Rev. Mark Jeske of St. Marcus Lutheran Church has agreed to serve as the commencement speaker."

WISN 12 News tweeted Pence's spokesperson said the following: “VP Pence understands and supports Wisconsin Lutheran College's decision to prioritize the safety and well-being of their students, and wishes the students well as they celebrate the accomplishment of graduating from college and as they embark on their next journey."

Related Coverage

• Antioch Teen Charged In Deadly Kenosha Shootings
• Authorities Identify Officer Who They Say Shot Jacob Blake
• Arrest Made After 2 Killed, 1 Injured In Kenosha Protests
• 'My Son Matters': Family Of Jacob Blake Speaks For First Time
• Kenosha Buildings Burn In Second Night Of Jacob Blake Protests
• Shop Owner Watched Business Burn In Kenosha Jacob Blake Protests
• Jacob Blake Police Shooting: Wisconsin Leaders, Officials Respond
• Kenosha Police Shooting Of Jacob Blake 'Excessive Force': Biden
• National Guard Called To Kenosha Following Jacob Blake Shooting
• Kenosha Hit By Damage After Jacob Blake Police Shooting: Photos

Two people were shot and killed during the third night of Jacob Blake-related protests and civil unrest in Kenosha. A 17-year-old from Antioch, Illinois has been arrested and faces a potential first-degree intentional homicide charge.

A 26-year-old Silver Lake resident and a 36-year-old Kenosha resident were killed in the shooting. A 26-year-old West Allis resident was also shot.